AO 2024-007

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA

Administrative Order No. 2024-007

APPOINTMENT OF COLUMBIA COUNTY CIVIL

TRAFFIC INFRACTION HEARING OFFICER

WHEREAS, sections 318.30 through 318.38 of the Florida Statutes and Florida Rule of Traffic Court 6.630 establish the Civil Traffic Infraction Hearing Officer Program, authorize the appointment of civil traffic infraction hearing officers and establish such hearing officers’ jurisdiction; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to section 318.35 of the Florida Statutes, civil traffic infraction hearing officers serve at the pleasure of the chief judge of the county and circuit in which they are to hear cases and shall have no definite term of office; and

WHEREAS, the Florida Supreme Court, by letter dated June 5, 2008, approved

the establishment of the Program in and for Columbia County; and

WHEREAS, the Program is necessary for the administration of justice in this circuit.

THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in the Chief Judge pursuant to Rule 6.630, Florida Traffic Court Rules, and Chapter 318, Florida Statutes, and after consultation with appropriate county judge(s) within the circuit, it is hereby ORDERED:

1. The Civil Infraction Traffic Hearing Officer Program has been established in the Third

Judicial Circuit, in and for Columbia County, and is hereby approved to continue. Appointed civil traffic infraction hearing officers are independent contractors and enter into written professional services agreements with the court concerning the duties and obligations of the appointees.

2. THOMAS J. KENNON III (effective as of March 27, 2024) is hereby appointed as Civil Traffic Infraction Hearing Officer for Columbia County, Florida, with all the duties and responsibilities of that office in accordance with Florida law.

3. This appointment shall remain in effect until further order of this Court or upon expiration or termination of the appointee’s Professional Services Agreement. All actions of the Hearing Officer within the scope of applicable statutory authority taken before this date are hereby confirmed.

4. Except as otherwise indicated herein, this Administrative Order is effective upon signing and VACATES and SUPERSEDES any prior orders of appointment for civil traffic infraction hearing officers within the circuit.

DONE AND ORDERED in chambers in Lake City, Columbia County, Florida this 2nd day of December 2024, nunc pro tunc to March 27, 2024.

___________________________________

MELISSA GATES OLIN

                                                            Chief Judge

Copies to:       Columbia County Clerk of Court

Thomas J. Kennon III

Court Administration